I felt a pang of guilt, but I had to be honest. "Yes, but I promise after marriage, if you don't want me to stay in your room, I can move out or sleep on the couch. I won't touch-"
Anirudh cut me off, his expression unreadable. I wondered what he wa...
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3 months later...
I watched her emerge from the building, her purse slung over one shoulder, a book clutched in her other hand. As soon as she spotted our car, her face lit up with a beautiful smile that made my heart skip a beat.
She practically skipped over to the car, her long hair bouncing with each step. I got out to greet her, opening the passenger door with a flourish. "Welcome back, sweetheart. How was your day?"
She beamed at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It was good." She said as she climbed in.
She glanced out the window, watching as the university campus faded into the distance. "How was your day?"
I shrugged, starting the car and pulling out of the parking spot. "It was okay. Just worked on some projects and handled some business stuff. Nothing too exciting." I glanced over at her, noticing the tired look in her eyes. "You look a bit worn out. Long day?"
She let out a soft sigh, leaning her head against the window. "You have no idea. Between teaching, advising, and committee meetings, I feel like I've been running nonstop all day. And to top it off, I have a stack of papers to grade tonight."
I reached over, giving her thigh a gentle squeeze. "Relax, baby. Don't take too much pressure. Okay?" She nodded, smiling.
My phone rang. Mr. Chaudhary? Why is he calling?
I answered, wedging it between my shoulder and ear.
"Anirudh!" Roop's voice cut through my conversation.
Before I could respond, a massive truck swerved into our lane, mere feet away. My heart racing, I jerked the wheel to the left, avoiding a collision by inches.
The phone slipped from its precarious perch, dropping near my foot. Roop's hand grasped my arm, her nail digging into my skin.
I refocused on the road, my senses heightened. Mr. Chaudhary's voice continued, oblivious to the close call.
"I'll call you later, Mr. Chaudhary" I said, picking up the phone, my tone firm. I cut the call.
"Are you okay, baby?" I turned to face her, but my heart beat faster when I saw her eyes wide with fear. Her breathing shallow and rapid, her chest heaving violently.
Oh god, she's having a panic attack.
Her face was pale. Her eyes darted widely, unfocused as if searching for an escape.
"Roop, baby..." I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.
But she didn't respond. Her lips had lost all color. Her body trembled uncontrollably.
I quickly pulled over to the side of the road, parking the car. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
